Release Detail

February 17, 2000 - McCain Is Top Gun In Connecticut,
Quinnipiac College Poll Finds;
Gore Tops Bradley Among Democrats

Arizona Sen. John McCain has a 52 - 39 percent lead over Texas Gov. George W.
Bush among Connecticut likely Republican primary voters, according to a Quinnipiac College
Poll released today. Among all registered voters, McCain is the top vote-getter in November.

Among all Connecticut registered voters, the Presidential Election in November
shows:

McCain over Gore 55 - 33 percent;

McCain over Bradley 50 - 34 percent;

Gore over Bush 45 - 42 percent, too close to call but a big bounce for Gore, who trailed
Bush 52 - 36 percent in an October 13 Quinnipiac College Poll;

Bradley over Bush 48 - 38 percent;

From February 9 - 15, Quinnipiac College surveyed 1,365 Connecticut registered
voters, with a margin of error of +/- 2.7 percent. The survey includes 426 likely Democratic
primary voters with a margin of error of +/- 4.8 percent, and 333 likely Republican primary
voters with a margin of error of +/- 5.4 percent.

"John McCain has become the favorite among all voters in Connecticut. Despite Gov.
Rowland's early backing of George W. Bush, rank and file Republican voters are picking
John McCain," said Quinnipiac College Poll Director Douglas Schwartz.

"McCain clearly got a big bounce out of New Hampshire. Not only does he lead Bush
in the primary, but he easily beats Gore and Bradley in the general election. McCain has
unusually strong appeal to Democrats who give him a 41-12 percent favorability rating.

"On the Democratic side, Vice President Gore has taken an 8-point lead over Sen.
Bradley. The race is close enough that Bradley still has a chance in Connecticut. Half of the
Democratic voters say they might change their minds before the election," Schwartz added.

"Bradley is now trailing in Connecticut and New York. These two state's are critical
for Bradley. If he can't win here with the built in advantage of being a former New York
Knick star and former New Jersey Senator, it is doubtful he can win anywhere else."

17. If the Democratic Primary for President were being held today and
the candidates were Al Gore and Bill Bradley, for whom would you vote?

Likely Democratic Primary Voters

Tot Men Wom

Gore 49% 38% 56%
Bradley 41 54 32
DK/NA 9 7 12

18. If the Republican Primary for President were being held today and
the candidates were George W. Bush, Alan Keyes, and John McCain, for
whom would you vote?

Likely Republican Primary Voters

Tot Men Wom

Bush 39% 40% 37%
Keyes 3 3 3
McCain 52 54 49
DK/NA 6 3 11

19a. Is your mind made up, or do you think you might change your mind
before the primary?

Likely Democratic Primary Voters

Gore Bradley
Tot Vtrs Vtrs

Made up 48% 47% 48%
Might change 52 52 51
DK/NA 1 - 1

19b. Is your mind made up, or do you think you might change your mind
before the primary?

Likely Republican Primary Voters

Bush McCain
Tot Vtrs Vtrs

Made up 43% 40% 45%
Might change 56 58 53
DK/NA 2 2 2

21a. Next I'm going to read a list of characteristics a president might have.
For each one please tell me, regardless of which candidate you support,
whether you think it applies more to Al Gore or Bill Bradley?
Can get things done in Washington...

Likely Democratic Primary Voters

Tot Men Wom

Al Gore 64% 62% 65%
Bill Bradley 22 28 19

SAME(VOL) 6 3 8
DK/NA 8 8 8

22a. (INTRO Q21a) Has a better chance of beating the Republican nominee in
the November general election...

Likely Democratic Primary Voters

Tot Men Wom

Al Gore 62% 56% 66%
Bill Bradley 26 36 20

SAME(VOL) 1 1 1
DK/NA 11 7 13

23a. (INTRO Q21a)Has a vision for the country's future...

Likely Democratic Primary Voters

Tot Men Wom

Al Gore 42% 33% 47%
Bill Bradley 42 54 35

SAME(VOL) 8 7 9
DK/NA 8 6 10

24a. (INTRO Q21a)Is in touch with the average American...

Likely Democratic Primary Voters

Tot Men Wom

Al Gore 35% 28% 39%
Bill Bradley 50 62 42

SAME(VOL) 7 5 8
DK/NA 8 4 11

25a. (INTRO Q21a)Is someone you can trust...

Likely Democratic Primary Voters

Tot Men Wom

Al Gore 36% 28% 41%
Bill Bradley 42 54 34

SAME(VOL) 10 9 11
DK/NA 12 9 14

26a. (INTRO Q21a)Will keep the economy strong...

Likely Democratic Primary Voters

Tot Men Wom

Al Gore 50% 46% 53%
Bill Bradley 25 36 18

SAME(VOL) 9 8 10
DK/NA 16 11 19

27a. (INTRO Q21a)Has a better health care plan...

Likely Democratic Primary Voters

Tot Men Wom

Al Gore 31% 27% 34%
Bill Bradley 25 33 19

SAME(VOL) 3 3 3
DK/NA 41 37 44

21b. Next I'm going to read a list of characteristics a president might have.
For each one please tell me, regardless of which candidate you support,
whether you think it applies more to George W. Bush or John McCain?
Can get things done in Washington...

Likely Republican Primary Voters

Tot Men Wom

George W. Bush 43% 42% 43%
John McCain 42 46 37

SAME(VOL) 6 5 7
DK/NA 10 7 13

22b. (INTRO Q21b)Has a better chance of beating the Democratic nominee in